Tom's Reaction To Gatsby's Death Quote
The Great Gatsby Summary
The Great Gatsby is a novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which tells the story of a young and mysterious millionaire named Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel is set in the 1920s, a time of great wealth and extravagance, but also of moral decay and disillusionment. The narrator of the novel is a young man named Nick Carraway, who becomes involved in the lives of Gatsby and the Buchanans.
Tension Between Tom and Gatsby
Throughout the novel, there is tension between Tom Buchanan, Daisy's wealthy husband, and Gatsby. Tom is suspicious of Gatsby and his wealth, and he is also jealous of Gatsby's relationship with Daisy. Tom becomes even more suspicious and jealous after he discovers that Daisy and Gatsby were once in love.
The Death of Gatsby
The climax of the novel comes with the death of Gatsby, who is shot and killed by George Wilson, the husband of Myrtle Wilson, who is killed in a hit-and-run accident by Daisy. After Gatsby's death, Tom and Daisy leave town, and Nick is left to reflect on the events of the summer.
Tom's Reaction to Gatsby's Death Quote
Tom's reaction to Gatsby's death is complex. On one hand, he is relieved that Gatsby is out of the way, and that he no longer has to deal with his suspicions and jealousy. On the other hand, he is also shaken by the violence and chaos that has erupted around him.
In Chapter 9, after Gatsby's death, Nick has a conversation with Tom, in which Tom reveals his true feelings about Gatsby. Tom tells Nick, "I told him the truth... He came to the door while we were getting ready to leave, and when I sent down word that we weren't in he tried to force his way upstairs. He was crazy enough to kill me if I hadn't told him who owned the car. His hand was on a revolver in his pocket every minute he was in the house—"
Tom's words reveal that he sees Gatsby as a dangerous and unstable person, who would have been willing to kill him if he had not revealed the truth about the car. At the same time, Tom also seems to be aware of his own role in the tragedy. He admits that he told Wilson about the car, which ultimately led to Gatsby's death.
The Significance of Tom's Reaction
Tom's reaction to Gatsby's death is significant in several ways. First, it reveals the deep-seated animosity between Tom and Gatsby, which has been brewing throughout the novel. Second, it shows Tom's willingness to protect himself and his own interests, even at the expense of others. Finally, it highlights the theme of moral decay and corruption that runs throughout the novel.
In Conclusion
The death of Gatsby is a tragic and violent event, which has far-reaching consequences for all of the characters in the novel. Tom's reaction to Gatsby's death is complex, and it reveals a great deal about his character and his relationship with Gatsby. Ultimately, the novel serves as a commentary on the moral decay and corruption of the 1920s, and the consequences of pursuing wealth and power at any cost.
